Pages

Friday, September 23, 2016

Random - Five on Friday

Friday is rolling around again and I'm joining up with Amy over at Love Made My Home for Five on Friday. This is going to be a fairly random collection of Five as my mind seems to be bouncing all over the place this week. Still in a bit of a funk. I'm hoping to be out of it soon. I'm just having trouble getting back into daily life after so long away. This five is just five things from this week.

BOOKS - I've read a couple this week.

This was a fun read. I really like Nancy Martin's books. She writes the Nora Blackbird series too which is well worth a read. This is the first one featuring these characters. It was a nice, light read with mystery and a little romance.

To be honest I struggled with this one. I've read lots of Janet Evanovich before (especially Stephanie Plum series) but I had trouble connecting with these characters. I did manage to finish it, but was glad I borrowed it from the library and didn't buy it - out in hardcover.

FOOD - I think my husband missed my cooking more than he missed me! I usually don't cook frozen foods (unless I'm being really lazy). I need to find some new recipes though. I try to plan a menu for a week at a time. This week including toad-in-the-hole, fish tacos and homemade chicken strips w/potato skins.

BIRTHDAY - today my middle son turns 25. I'm not sure where the years have gone. I was five months pregnant when I came to the states. My son was born in New Mexico at an Air Force Base. It wasn't a nice experience. Was sure I would never do it again. I had a two year old and a new baby and it was one of the loneliest times of my life. I don't think I would have made it through my first year in America if it wasn't for my kids and hubby. I am so proud of him. He was diagnosed with Asperger's when he was eleven and had some struggles but has turned out great. He has his own apartment in another town and has a good job.

CAMPING - it was a lot of fun. Michigan is really beautiful. We went to Port Crescent which is up on the tip of the thumb of Michigan. It's about a four hour drive from us.

Had a LOT of fun.

The dog had a lovely time swimming for the first time. She's really funny and sweet. I can't wait to go again!

LOOKING DOWN - I've done a post about looking up. This time when we were out walking at the campground I looked down. The trails were filled with fungus. I think it's because it was dark and wet. I'm not an expert on fungus, don't know names but I love taking pictures of it. I find it really beautiful.

I could go on and on. I took a lot of pictures on this walk. There were so many different colours and varieties. These woods were really beautiful. We'd love to go back but it might be a while. There are so many more State Parks we have to visit!

Thanks for joining me on this Five on Friday. I'm off to see what other people are up to this week!

I hope you had a good week and settling back after your trip to the UK and the camping trip, both so enjoyable in different ways. I haven't read those two books, but the Miss Ruffles one would attract my attention if I saw it on the library shelf since it's a mystery and the picture on the cover is interesting. Happy birthday to your son!

Just read your previous post on post holiday blues and Five on Friday.

I am of the opinion that only other expats/immigrants really understand the pull that you have to your home country. You and the locals may share the same mother tongue. But you still don't speak the language! To this day (many years after arriving) I am asked where are you from? As time goes on you begin to notice how your home country starts to feel just a little bit foreign but you still do not feel at home where you are. It is as if you are in a no man's land. Difficult isn't it?

Happy birthday to your son and glad to hear he is doing so well which I am sure you contributed to. Your photos are lovely. You have a very good eye for detail and glad that you are enjoying the camping experience.

Gradually you will work back into a routine and feel a little more settled. It does help that you have a caring husband and children.

A good collection of random things! Happy Birthday to your son, I hope he has a great day. You are right, moving to an AFB from England can be difficult, I know that too! Glad you are all settled now. You have made me want toad in the hole now though! Might have to see to that this week. Thank you for joining Five On Friday, lovely to see you, have a good weekend! xx

Looks like you made the most of your camping trip. We are flying into Detroit tomorrow for a week in Indiana and Ohio. Glad you made it through your rough patch in New Mexico and that your middle son is doing well. Have a great weekend. ~the Happy Wonderer

Shasta

About Me

Sharon Ex-pat, forty something mum who likes to read and cross stitch and
do other crafts. Recently made the transition from working to staying
home. We have three grown children. Am originally from Ipswich, England
currently in Michigan, US.